Festivals are back! 10 amazing Manitoba festivals + events to check out this summer

Posted May 25, 2022 | Author Breanne Sewards

Festival-goers can celebrate once again as a number of exciting events get ready to make their return this summer in Manitoba.

Festivals bring us together. And as pillars of community, collaboration and celebration, festivals make our summers feel complete. With so many of our favourite festivals making their triumphant return, it's time to gather once again and join into the fun.

Whether you want to dance the night away at a music festival or expand your horizons at a cultural event, here are 10 festivals you can look forward to in summer 2022.

1. Icelandic Festival of Manitoba

July 29 to August 1, 2022 | Gimli

Velkomin to Islendingadagurinn, or the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba. Located in the heart of New Icelandic aka Gimli, the festival celebrates all things Icelandic culture and heritage. Watch Viking re-enactors battle it out and live the old Norse way of life, or try Icelandic food and beverages like the famous vinarterta. Earn your honourary Icelander status at the 'Get Dinged' ceremony and enjoy a full weekend of midway fun. This year, the festival is welcoming special guest Magnús Ver Magnússon, 4x World Strongest Man and legendary Icelander, to host the MVM Classic Gimli, a world-class strongman event showcasing traditional Icelandic feats of strength.

2. Red River Ex

June 17 to 26, 2022 | Red River Exhibition Park, Winnipeg

You know summer has officially kicked off when the Red River Ex is in town. Operating annually since 1952, the Ex is a chance to relish in some good ol' nostalgia while also making new memories with family and friends. Whether you go for the midway rides, the games, The Big Red Barn petting zoo or the live entertainment, expect this year's event to be bigger and better than ever.

This year, the Red River Ex will also celebrate Indigenous Day with a lively powwow featuring dancers, drummers and more.

3. Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival

July 29 to 31, 2022 | Dauphin

If there's any time to support and get to know Manitoba's Ukrainian community, it's now. In addition to sharing in many Ukrainian traditions, Canada's National Ukrainian Festival will take you back in time via a living museum that showcases prairie pioneer life. While there, be sure to try classic Ukrainian fare like holubchi, kielbasa and borscht and be mesmerized by a host of dancers who travel across the country to perform on stage.

4. Winnipeg Folk Festival

July 7 to 10, 2022 | Birds Hill Provincial Park

Winnipeg Folk Festival has more than earned its spot among Manitoba's most iconic festivals. Birds Hill Provincial Park provides the ideal backdrop to wander barefoot and dance to your heart's content in a celebration and discovery of music. In addition to the serene sense of community and belonging you can come to expect from the festival, this year's lineup is seriously incredible with artists such as Portugal. The Man, Tash Sultana, Japanese Breakfast and Bahamas.

5. Morden Corn & Apple Festival

August 26 to 28, 2022 | Morden

Morden's beloved Corn & Apple Festival entices thousands every year with two simple phrases: It's fun. It's free. Families from all over Manitoba gather for one last summer hurrah with a full weekend of midway rides, live entertainment and, of course, plenty of buttery corn and fresh apple cider.

6. Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition

July 22 to 24, 2022 I Morris

Grab your cowboy hat and join into the fun at Morris's signature event, the Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition. As Manitoba's only professional rodeo, you will be thrilled by feats such as bull riding, barrel racing and the antics of the rodeo clown. Spend the whole day to make time for the midway, the saloon, the agricultural fair and a pop up from Time Lapse Escape Rooms.

7. Folklorama

July 31 to August 13, 2022 | Winnipeg

If you want to get know the cultures that make up the fabric of Manitoba, Folklorama is the festival for you. As the largest and longest-running multicultural event of its kind in the world, Folklorama gives you a taste of the food and traditions of countries like Belgium, Japanese, Israel, Ethiopia and more! With pavilions scattered around the city in the two week period, you will definitely want to plan ahead to fit in as many as possible. You can also register for one (or more) of 37 VIP tours where you can cycle, walk or take a luxury motorcoach for an evening of fun and food.

8. Fire and Water Music Festival

July 29 to 31, 2022 | Lac du Bonnet

The town of Lac du Bonnet will be filled with the sound of music once again at the 15th Annual Fire and Water Music Festival. The family-friendly festival is a blissful retreat featuring a variety of genres that will open your ears to different styles of music born from Manitoba and beyond. Participate in a workshop or stretch it out with Moai Yoga Studio, who will be on-site for this year's festival.

9. Dauphin's Countryfest

July 1 to 3, 2022 | Dauphin

That's right, yet another opportunity to dust off those cowboy boots! Canada's longest running country music festival returns to Dauphin for another year of camping and country. With over 14,000 attendees per day, Dauphin's Countryfest attracts top talent and this year's lineup is no exception with country artists Paul Brandt and Johnny Reid on the roster.

10. Winkler Harvest Festival

August 12 to 14, 2022 | Winkler

The Winkler Harvest Festival is a free entry festival that honours the city's agricultural history. Enjoy a variety of entertainment from big name headliners, a midway, food vendors, children’s shows, a petting zoo, Circus performances, a parade and more. Also included in Harvest Fest is Culture Fest, highlighting a variety of entertainment from all over the world.

About The Author

Hey! I'm Breanne, Editorial Content Specialist for Travel Manitoba. First to jump in the lake and last to make it down the River Trail. Lover of croissants, cats, and croissant-shaped cats. Got a story idea? Email me at bsewards@travelmanitoba.com.

Editorial Content Specialist